Smuggling Kingpin IBD Dende Threatens Customs Officer Over Intercepted Goods

In a startling revelation, Ibrahim Egungbohun Dende, also known as IBD Dende, purportedly one of the foremost smuggling operatives in southwestern Nigeria, has allegedly issued threats against an Assistant Superintendent of Customs (ASC) who thwarted his attempt to smuggle goods from the Benin Republic into Nigeria.

Reports from FIJ indicate that the incident occurred in January, preceding the release of an undercover investigation that exposed systemic corruption within the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), implicating senior officials in aiding smuggling activities.

Dende, whose alleged involvement in smuggling has garnered attention, vehemently denies any complicity in such activities. However, a video obtained by FIJ contradicts his denial, showing Dende issuing menacing threats to a Customs officer identified only as Rotimi, who intercepted vehicles laden with smuggled rice.

In the footage, Dende can be heard repeatedly cursing Rotimi while brandishing firearms. Despite his aggressive demeanour, Customs officers are seen attempting to placate him.

Sources familiar with the situation claim that the armed individuals accompanying Dende in the video are his associates. Furthermore, Dende‘s references to contacting individuals within the NCS hierarchy, including Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi and Comptroller Hussein Ejibunu, lend credence to FIJ’s prior investigation, which alleged collusion between smugglers and high-ranking Customs officials.

Dende‘s tirade in the video extends to accusing Customs officers of complicity in smuggling, alleging that he witnessed their superiors transporting rice across the border.

These developments underscore the pervasive nature of smuggling operations and raise serious questions about the integrity of law enforcement agencies tasked with combating illicit activities along Nigeria’s borders. As authorities investigate this alarming incident, concerns persist regarding the entrenched corruption that facilitates the illicit trade of goods across national boundaries.